It is easy for me to recognize the two opposing sides when discussing Tolkien's act of shutting himself in his quarters to write fantasies. On one hand, his peers were justified in being concerned about the use of Tolkien's time. Life does not seem to be worth living when it is spent within the same four walls. On the other hand, from his isolation and dedication, we have received highly celebrated works of literature (specifically in the area of "Fantasy").
So, is Fantasy worth writing? Worth studying? Because it is set in an alternate world than our own, does fantasy only take us away from the daily lives in which we live? Why is fantasy recognized and praised by claimed intellectuals such as Tolkien and Lewis?
"Fantasy is a natural human activity. It certainly does not destroy or even insult Reason; and it does not either blunt the appetite for, nor obscure the perception of, scientific verity." -"On Fairy Stories" pg 370.
I agree with this quote taken from Tolkien. However, I would go further as to say that Fantasy has the potential to build (highlight?) Reason.
Our perceptions of real life situations are often limited to our own real life experience and knowledge. Fantasy allows us to step outside of ourselves and our world to view subjects such as politics and race in a different (and often more obvious) light. For example, in the realm of Middle-Earth, Racism is evident among the Elves and Dwarves. We especially see this within the Fellowship, as Legolas and Gimli react to and work around each other, despite knowing the history of their ancestors. It is obvious to a reader to point at the words on the pages and claim, "Racism!" as the dwarf yells insults at the elf. However, the lines may be a little more blurred when we look to our own world. Therefore, sometimes we need to search throughout alternate universes to find our own truths.
Fantasy is worth our time. It enhances and even pursues our own Reality, and if used correctly, it can be a means to a more enriching life.
(Sorry if this post is a little scattered. I believe I got my point across somewhat).
It's the same thing Jesus did with the Parables. He helped his audience step into the shoes of another in order to grasp these seemingly incomprehensible truths about the Kingdom. Fantasy is like flash in the dark, allowing us to see thing s clearly in world that is content with painting everything in a very opaque gray. =)
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